CJON was two months short of his 42nd
birthday when he went home to be with the Lord on December 24, 2007. He was
born on February 24, 1966, the third child of his parents, VirgilPatterson and Delores Patterson. His mother
died when Cjon was 13 years old leaving her only son and two older daughters,
Lorie and Lia. For most of his life, Cjon’s mother was Jeraldine Patterson. He
became the older brother to Justyn, Virgil Jr., Melodi, Joshua and Brian. Cjon
was married for sixteen years to his wife, Denise. Together, they had four
children- Shane (stepson), Kayla, Maya, and Cjon, Jr. Today, they mourn the
grievous loss of his physical presence, as do his grandmothers, Jeanette
Patterson, and Clotiel Weldon. His grandfathers, ‘Pops’ Patterson, and ‘Papa
Jerry’ Weldon predeceased him. Cjon is also mourned by an older brother, Eric,
mother-in-law Fannie Mendivil, sisters-in-law Tammy and Layonette,
brothers-in-law, Lee and David Johnson, aunts, uncles, several nieces and
nephews, other relatives and a host of friends and associates.

Music was Cjon’s passion, his gift, his
responsibility. Few people know that Cjon did not read music – he played
completely by ear and from the notes and chords that God placed in his mind and
heart. He started his musical performances when he was only three years old,
beating drums on everything – walls, the bed, the table.

Cjon was the consummate “master musician”
and performer: gifted, intense, passionate. His skills spanned the range of the
performing arts – from instrumental music: he played the keyboard, the drums,
the guitar – to film: he had a starring role in a movie, “Sea Gypsies” at the
age of 12. Cjon was also part of “The Patterson Trio” with his sisters Lorie
and Lia. He also formed and led a singing group, “The Men of Faith”, for
several years, and trained several choirs with his dad in Minnesota,
New Jersey, North Carolina,
New York, Pennsylvania,
Indiana and Georgia. His ministry included the
training of singers, choirs, and musicians in Panama,
Costa Rica and Japan.

Cjon’s primary musical focus was
being the Minister of Music at his home church, CrusadeChristianFaithCenter in Inglewood, CA,
where his dad was founding pastor.Cjon
provided music for all the services and special occasions.He loved his instrument and played with every
ounce of his being - eyes closed, sweat pouring, veins bulging, feet stomping,
head banging - that was Cjon on the Korg!

Cjon’s true treasure was his family. He
loved and was very proud of his wife, Denise, and children. Denise recalls that
they met at a performance of “Miracle Worker”.Shewas fascinated by his smile,
energy, phenomenal playing, and the beautiful inflections of his voice. Of
course it didn’t hurt that he was strikingly handsome, with a unique fashion
style- from cape to pointed-toe boots! Out of the spotlight, the private Cjon
was her best friend, her “Bunky”, as she called him. They would talk for hours,
sharing dreams and plans for their children. Denise remembers how loving and
adventurous Cjon was.

To his father, Cjon was more than a son. He
was his dearest friend! Cjon worked with his dad to develop the full and rich
music and performing arts ministry of Crusade Christian Faith Center – an
acclaimed choir, original music dramas, an orchestra, a PraiseSchool,
and new singing groups. More importantly, Cjon shared and supported his
father’s Kingdom vision, and at each step of the way, encouraged him. Cjon
could sense his father’s mood and encourage him with, “It’s going to be OK,
Dad”. On their extensive travels, father and son shared time and meals. These
were times of earnest conversation, of counsel, of mutual exhortation. Later,
this time would include Brian, forging an even closer bond between the
brothers. Cjon’s promise to his father was, “Dad, I’ll never leave you. I’ll
always be with you, and support you.” He kept his word.

Melodi says that Cjon had a lust for life.
Lorie’s opinion is that he had the outlook and energy of Peter Pan! It didn’t
take a rocket scientist to figure out that Cjon also had that character’s keen
sense of fun.

When Melodi danced, he would stand at the back where she could
see him, signaling his support and clapping loudly. He taught Brian about the
piano and the guitar, and encouraged him to be a well-rounded musician, to
explore different kinds of music, and to keep learning and developing. Brian
says he will always treasure the opportunity to work so closely with his
brother, an incredible talent.Cjon
often played one-on-one with Joshua

and encouraged him to try out for his high
school basketball team and excel – which Joshua did.

Cjon Damitri Patterson Sr. received a gift
from God and was faithful in using that gift to honor God, and to serve His
people. But Cjon was a gift to us from God – to us and to so many others. As we
remember the times he made us laugh at his antics, inspired us with his zest
for life, irritated us with his constant push for excellence in worship and
service; lifted our hearts and spirits through his music – let us thank God for
the gift of Cjon and resolve to use our gifts as passionately as he used his;
to lavish our love over family and friends the way he did; serve God as
joyously as he did.